Preserved flowers

ABSTRACT

The production of a display of dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, mounted and displayed within a shadowbox to contain, surround, encompass and enclose the same, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes within the display by the process comprising of a logical sequence of the following steps: recording the inventory of elements to be included in the display; gluing the outer most petals of said flowers to the sepal; drying the plant material by means of a dehydrating agent; gluing the petals in place; coloring the flowers as desired; providing a background on which to mount the floral display; mounting the floral display on the background; framing the display; and sealing the frame around the display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to preserving flowers and the like and more particularly to a new and improved method for preserving flowers and the like and displaying them effectively and for such other structures and methods as may be herein disclosed.

[0003] 2. Relevant State of the Art and Description of Related Prior Art

[0004] The present invention relates to dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and shadowboxes to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes.

[0005] The present invention as will be appreciated from the above will vary from item to item which is being preserved or memorialized. In general the invention may be both best understood and best explained with regard to the preservation of a flower and this specific process will be the most comprehensive. In describing the process with regard to the preservation of a flower it will be helpful to refer to the standard biological notation and nomenclature as applied to a flower.

[0006] In general, while there are a huge range of forms, flower parts can normally be recognized and named as follows:

[0007] The sepals refer to the usually green structure which protects the flower before it opens.

[0008] The brightly colored petals attract pollinating insects, bees, birds, and small mammals.

[0009] The stamen are the male, pollen-producing parts and the carpels are the female organs.

[0010] The carpel comprises: ovary, style, and stigma.

[0011] The preservation of green and flowering matter and other organic matter has been the subject of much study over a wide range of years from the earliest of times. In recent years freeze drying processes have been employed as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,411 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,188.

[0012] A wide variety of other approaches have been attempted.

[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,571,942 a controlled pressing in a heated, dehumidified atmosphere is taught.

[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,766 a heated dehydrating agent in the absence of light is taught followed by a paraffin bath.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,577 the plant is preserved with potassium metabisulfite, gelatin or starch, stearic acid and salts thereof In U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,351 a dried substrate is coupled to a thermoplastic elastomeric polymer.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,447 teaches drying and cross-linking with polyisocyanate compounds.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,392 teaches placing the stem of a flower to be preserved in an aqueous glycerol solution of mineral salts, citric acid and dyes.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,343 teaches the vacuum treatment of a substrate with a particulate surface treatment thereon.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,074 employs a preservative detergent solution.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention relates to dried and preserved flowers,, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and shadowboxes to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes.

Objects

[0021] Pursuant to the foregoing, it may be regarded as an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of and provide for improvements in the state of the prior art as described above and as may be known to those skilled in the art.

[0022] It is an object of the present invention to improve the permanence of the display and to maintain the appearance of the original display.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus of the forgoing character and in accordance with the above objects which may be readily carried out with comparatively simple equipment and with relatively simple requirements.

[0024] Still further objects may be recognized and become apparent upon consideration of the following specification, taken as a whole, in conjunction with the appended drawings and claims, wherein by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0025] As used herein, any reference to an object of the present invention should be understood to be directed to concepts which may have become apparent after the conception of the present invention as well as those which may have occurred earlier.

[0026] The above and other objects of the present invention are realized and the limitations of the prior art are overcome by providing a new and improved method of preserving and maintaining a display of flowers and the like.

[0027] In summary, the present invention relates to dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and shadowboxes to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes.

Technical Problems to be Solved

[0028] The prior art has long had difficulties in keeping the display together in its apparently original form and in maintaining the colors of the display.

Advantages

[0029] The present invention provides a much more permanent display containing and maintaining a significantly more nearly true approximation to the original true colors of the flowers.

How the Present Invention Solves Problems Previously Existent in the Prior Art

[0030] The present invention achieves these results and advantages by the combination of steps of the method as set forth below.

Utility

[0031] The present invention makes possible the creation of much more permanent and effective displays which reflect the true colors of the elements of the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THEIR SEVERAL VIEWS

[0032] The above mentioned and other objects and advantages of the present invention and a better understanding of the principles and details of the present invention will be evident from the following description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0033] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated, reduced or enlarged, or otherwise distorted to facilitate an understanding of the present invention.

[0034] In the drawings appended hereto:

[0035]FIG. 1 is a block, flow diagramic representation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, like elements are given the same or analogous references when convenient or helpful for clarity. The same or analogous reference to these elements will be made in the body of the specification, but other names and terminology may also be employed to further explain the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0037] 10—RECORD

[0038] 12—GLUE

[0039] 14—DRY

[0040] 16—GLUE

[0041] 18—COLOR

[0042] 20—BACKGROUND

[0043] 22—MOUNT

[0044] 24—FRAME

[0045] 26—SEAL

General Description of the Invention

[0046] For a further understanding of the nature, function, and objects of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner. The practice of the present invention is illustrated by the following examples which are deemed illustrative of both of the process and of the product (and article of manufacture) yielded in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of and Best Mode for Carrying Out the Present Invention

[0047] The present invention is directed to the drying and preservation of flowers, and plant matter by a process comprising a specific sequence of steps.

[0048] The prior art processes have been concerned only with a part of the problems and have in general produced products which are lacking in permanence and fidelity of color.

[0049] The present invention meets the deficencies of the prior art through a specific sequence of steps as set forth herein. In the broadest terms the process provides for the mechanical integrity of the array and for its conditioning to be preserved in that form.

[0050] The present invention relates to dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and shadowboxes to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes.

[0051] The present invention includes the sequence of steps as indicated in FIG. 1.

Description of at Least One Way of Carrying Out the Invention by Reference to the Drawings and Flowchart

[0052] Turning now to the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, some of the elements of the present invention are further shown in this Figure which is a conceptual illustration only and not to scale.

[0053] The process of the present invention is illustrated by the following steps:

Record

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, at 10, the process begins with the taking and recording of an inventory of the plants and/or flowers which are to become a part of the desired display. In addition to the taking and recording of an inventory, and/or as a part of such an inventory when appropriate or desired, photographic recording and/or drawings of the flower arrangements may be made.

Glue

[0055] After suitable inventories, photographs and drawings have been make, the entire perimeter of the back of the outer petals is glued, 12, to the sepal elements. Then each of the inner arrays of petals is glued in place in turn and sequence.

Dry

[0056] The flowers are then dried, 14, by the addition of a powder of silica gel and by packing the flowers in the silica gel or other suitable dehydrating agent.

[0057] Other suitable dehydrating agents include silicic acid and hydrated silica including products such as the jelly-like precipitates obtained when sodium silicate solution is acidified.

[0058] Other silica, silicates, and metasilicates may also be utilized including molecular sieves, such as Zeolite A, X, Y, and 5A and the like, kaolinite and kaolin clays and sodium bicarbonates.

[0059] Specific products such as Syloid by the Davison Chemical Division of t W.R. Grace & Co.; Zeolex, SAMS, and Zeofree by the J.M. Huber Corp.; Desiccite absorbent, dehumidifier, desiccant product of Filtrol Corp.

[0060] Other products which may be employed include the products of U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,742; 4,144,321; 4,422,880; 4,272,509; 4,202,816; 4,122,160; 4,045,240 by Wason, J.M. Huber Corp. and 4,590,052; 4,704,425; 4,708,459; 4,253,849; 4,031,024; 4,289,643 by Societe Francaise des Silicates Speciaux “Sifrance” and Rhone-Poulenc, Coubevoie, France.

[0061] Other suitable absorbent, dehumidification, and dehydrating agents are disclosed in Iler, “Colloid Chemistry of Silica and Silicates”, Cornell University Press, 1955.

[0062] Mixtures of the various dehydrating agents mention above may be employed as desired.

[0063] In general, the dehydrating agent will be maintained in contact with the flowers for on the order of 30 days.

[0064] Dehumidification step and humidity control must be provided throughout the entire process.

Glue

[0065] After the drying process is completed, the array is once again glued and re-glued, 16, to hold the array together in as close as possible to its original or desired configuration.

Color

[0066] Color is then fixed, restored or maintained at 18 by the application of paint, aerosol sprays, design markers, air brush and/or the addition of translucent sprays and coatings. These applications are directed to restoring and “bringing back to life”, visually, the flower; matching in a realistic manner the outer petals and the tinted flower's centers.

Background

[0067] A background, 20, patch or area is then created.

[0068] The background may take the form of a blackened area on which the floral array may be placed.

[0069] In the alternative, a background patch of silk or plastic ivy may be formed.

[0070] In some cases it may be desirable to place such an array of ivy over a blackened area.

[0071] These measures tend to enhance the over all appearance of the display and to compensate for any thin areas.

[0072] In addition to the appearance, the ivy helps to hold the flowers in place, in a stable and up-right manner.

Mount

[0073] The flower array is then mounted, 22, within the shadowbox or other suitable frame.

[0074] In mounting the flowers, it is desirable to have them supported by the ivy so that the central axis of each flower appears to go back in the display—to the hands holding the flowers, or such other like focal point, giving the arrangement a natural appearance which will ring true to the viewer and further enhance the realism of the display. In any case, the stable, upright display with the proper perspective is important to the overall realism, attractiveness, and appearance of the display.

Frame

[0075] The array may then be framed, 23, by a gray or white border frame within the shadow box.

Seal

[0076] The shadowbox is then sealed, 26, with plastic tape or other suitable sealing means to limit the oxidation of the flowers and other plant material contained within

[0077] The limitation of oxidation and maintenance of low humidity is essential and central to the process.

Alternatives and Optional Elements

[0078] The dried and/or preserved flowers, plants and plant matter including bouquets, boutonniere, and other flower arrangements are placed within a shadowbox or other suitable framing device to contain, surround, encompass, and enclose the dried and/or preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items, or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementos.

[0079] In operation, the process typically begins with the taking of an inventory, which may include photographs and drawings, then the individual petals are then glued to the sepal elements. The plant materials are then dried and dehydrated for approximately one month. The individual elements are then re-glued and the colors perfected. A black and/or ivy background is prepared for mounting of the flowers or other floral or plant array with a gray or white frame within a shadowbox which is then hermetically sealed. Other items may be included within the shadowbox display.

SUMMARY

[0080] In summary, the present invention relates to dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and shadowboxes to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes by the process as described above, including the steps of inventory, gluing, drying, coloring, and providing a suitable background, mounting, frame, and seal.

[0081] More specifically, the present invention is directed to the production of a display of dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, mounted and displayed within a shadowbox to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes within the display by the process comprising of a logical sequence of the following steps:

[0082] a) recording the inventory of elements to be included in the display;

[0083] b) gluing the outer most petals of said flowers to the sepal;

[0084] c) drying the plant material by means of a dehydrating agent and insuring a relatively low humidity atmosphere throughout the process;

[0085] d) gluing the petals in place;

[0086] e) coloring the flowers as desired;

[0087] f) providing a background on which to mount the floral display;

[0088] g) mounting the floral display on the background;

[0089] h) framing the display; and

[0090] g) sealing the frame around the display.

[0091] The invention includes photographing or drawing the original display.

[0092] The invention also includes gluing and re-gluing each individual element of the floral display before and after drying.

[0093] The floral array is dried by application of a member selected from the group consisting of silica gel, silicic acid, silica, silicates and combinations of the same and the color is restored, maintained, and preserved by the application of color and transparent or translucent coatings.

[0094] A background for the floral display is provided comprising a background member selected from the group consisting of a blackened area, an ivy area and combinations of the same.

[0095] The floral array is mounted within a gray or white frame within a shadowbox which is hermetically sealed.

[0096] Included within the display may be one or more members selected from the group consisting of photographs, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, sentimental mementos and combinations of the same.

[0097] It is noted that the embodiment described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is, of course, subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It will be understood in view of the instant disclosure, that numerous variations on the invention are now enabled to those skilled in the art. Many of the variations reside within the scope of the present teachings. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed and is to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display of dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, mounted and displayed within a shadowbox to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes within the display by the process comprising of a logical sequence of the following steps: a) recording the inventory of elements to be included in the display; b) gluing the outer most petals of said flowers to the sepal; c) drying the plant material by means of a dehydrating agent and insuring a relatively low humidity atmosphere throughout the process; d) gluing the petals in place; e) coloring the flowers as desired; f) providing a background on which to mount the floral display; g) mounting the floral display on the background; h) framing the display; and g) sealing the frame around the display.
 2. The display of claim 1 wherein the process includes photographing or drawing the original display.
 3. The display of claim 1 wherein the process includes gluing and re-gluing each individual element of the floral display before and after drying.
 4. The display of claim 1 wherein the floral array is dried by application of a member selected from the group consisting of silica gel, silicic acid, silica, silicates and combinations of the same.
 5. The display of claim 1 wherein the color is restored, maintained, and preserved by the application of color and transparent or translucent coatings.
 6. The display of claim 1 wherein a background for the floral display is provided comprising a background member selected from the group consisting of a blackened area, an ivy area and combinations of the same.
 7. The display of claim 1 wherein the floral array is mounted within a gray or white frame within a shadowbox.
 8. The display of claim 1 wherein the shadowbox is hermetically sealed.
 9. The display of claim 1 wherein the process includes photographing or drawing the original display; gluing and re-gluing each individual element of the floral display before and after drying; the floral array is dried by application of a member selected from the group consisting of silica gel, silicic acid, silica, silicates and combinations of the same; the color is restored, maintained, and preserved by the application of color and transparent or translucent coatings; a background for the floral display is provided comprising a background member selected from the group consisting of a blackened area, an ivy area and combinations of the same; the floral array is mounted within a gray or white frame within a shadowbox; and the shadowbox is hermetically sealed.
 10. The display of claim 9 wherein one or more members selected from the group consisting of photographs, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, sentimental mementos and combinations of the same are included within the display.
 11. A method for the production of a display of dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, mounted and displayed within a shadowbox to contain, surround, encompass and enclose dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, and the like, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes within the display by the process comprising of a logical sequence of the following steps: a) recording the inventory of elements to be included in the display; b) gluing the outer most petals of said flowers to the sepal; c) drying the plant material by means of a dehydrating agent; d) gluing the petals in place; e) coloring the flowers as desired; f) providing a background on which to mount the floral display; g) mounting the floral display on the background; h) framing the display; and g) sealing the frame around the display.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the process includes photographing or drawing the original display.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the process includes gluing and re-gluing each individual element of the floral display before and after drying.
 14. The method of claim 1 1 wherein the floral array is dried by application of a member selected from the group consisting of silica gel, silicic acid, silica, silicates and combinations of the same.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the color is restored, maintained, and preserved by the application of color and transparent or translucent coatings.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein a background for the floral display is provided comprising a background member selected from the group consisting of a blackened area, an ivy area and combinations of the same.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the floral array is mounted within a gray or white frame within a shadowbox.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the shadowbox is hermetically sealed.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein the process includes photographing or drawing the original display; gluing and re-gluing each individual element of the floral display before and after drying; the floral array is dried by application of a member selected from the group consisting of silica gel, silicic acid, silica, silicates and combinations of the same; the color is restored, maintained, and preserved by the application of color and transparent or translucent coatings; a background for the floral display is provided comprising a background member selected from the group consisting of a blackened area, an ivy area and combinations of the same; the floral array is mounted within a gray or white frame within a shadowbox; and the shadow box is hermetically sealed.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein one or more members selected from the group consisting of photographs, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, sentimental mementos and combinations of the same are included within the display. 